Latest news with #MerlinMagicMaking
The Star
4 hours ago
- Business
- The Star
Turning small bricks into global icons for parks
Johor has been a hub for building models using universal interlocking bricks the past 16 years. Miniature versions of global iconic buildings, including towering skyscrapers, are put together piece by tiny Lego brick piece by dozens of specialists. Tucked away in an industrial factory in Bandar Indahpura, Kulai, the Merlin Magic Making (MMM) Lego Production Hub, also known as Merlin Entertainment Studios (M) Sdn Bhd, serves as a creative and technical hub for Lego model production in the Asia-Pacific region. Its Asia senior Lego model production manager Leina Rahim, 44, said the completed models were shipped from the MMM hub in Johor to Legoland parks around the world. The Merlin Magic Making team installing a Singapore Flyer replica at Legoland Malaysia. — Photos: THOMAS YONG/The Star 'Our latest project was to deliver 529 replicas for Miniland in Legoland Shanghai (China), which just opened this month. 'We have a team of 91 people, almost all locals, who are involved in the process from the beginning until the end. 'This includes the concept and design stage, building of the models, testing, putting in lighting and installation of the model at the parks,' she said in an interview with StarMetro at the hub. The hub supplies to 11 parks around the world, including Germany and the USA. A technician putting finishing touches to a Marina Bay Sands replica. Leina said some models would need reinforcement with steel inside to ensure the replicas, like the 11m Lotte Tower in South Korea Miniland, were safe and secure. She said another major project was the construction and installation of 16 large-scale models for their new Singapore-themed Miniland in Legoland Malaysia, which would open to the public tomorrow. Legoland Malaysia in Iskandar Puteri is located about 30km from the MMM Kulai facility. 'It is an exciting time as some of the models will come with interactive features comprising sound, lights and moving parts,' she said, adding that all models were built using Lego bricks flown in from abroad. Asked about the time taken to build each model, Leina said it varied as some could take up to 500 hours from design to the finished product. (Clockwise from front right) Leina, Chai, Muhammad Fais, Syed Mohd Izzudin and Muhammad Nazrin at the production hub with a completed Cloud Forest replica. She said each Legoland park was unique as the team would design its Miniland based on landmark buildings or structures in the country. 'We even get a feel of the people and culture in that place and incorporate these elements when we design our Minilanders (people) and their outfits,' she explained. On the work culture at MMM, Leina said, 'Basically we breathe, eat and play with Lego every day'. Building models The facility was established in 2009 and officially named the Asia hub for Lego model production in 2018. MMM production hub serves as the creative force behind the intricate model designs at Legoland Malaysia. It oversees the creation of Miniland models, from design to installation, for Legoland parks operated by Merlin Entertainments across the Asia-Pacific region. Lego model production team leader Muhammad Fais Isa, who has a degree in Teaching English as a Second Language, joined MMM 10 years ago when he made the switch from a teaching career. The 34-year-old said the 16 Singapore models took about 16,000 hours to complete and it consisted of 1.5 million Lego bricks. 'The Marina Bay Sands was quite a challenge, as our usual models comprise just one tower. But for this, it involved three separate towers with a skydeck on the top,' Muhammad Fais said, adding that the model was about 4m tall and weighed 1.426 tonnes, including 260kg of steel to reinforce the structure. For MMM design developer Muhammad Nazrin Kamarul Bahrin, 38, each design journey begins not just with blueprints, but with real-life experiences. A Merlin Magic Making technician inspecting each component assembled, ensuring every detail is accurate. 'Once we have chosen a landmark, we send a team to the actual location. 'We take thousands of photographs during the day and night. 'We observe everything – from the buildings and colours to what people eat. We will even take note of their rubbish bins. 'It is about capturing a city's essence and identity,' he said. Muhammad Nazrin said each Miniland took around three years to complete, involving research, approvals, 3D modelling, technical development and on-site testing before final assembly. Structural safety and stability is paramount to technical delivery manager Syed Mohd Izzudin Syed Abu Bakar, 42. 'We had to put in steel frames so that they could support the load of the Marina Bay Sands model safely,' he said. He added that lighting, sound and automation were also important when building a replica. Lego model designer Chai Shu Ling, 29, said beyond ensuring that the structure would hold, her focus was on making a replica stand out. 'The first thing we ask is what grabs people's attention? 'For the Cloud Forest replica, we knew it was the waterfall. 'It must be visually striking yet structurally stable. 'We test techniques, explore new colours and solve challenges together,' she said. With 1,600 Minilanders featured throughout the project, Chai said even the tiniest details were carefully considered. 'We make sure each plant is unique, yet does not distract from the main structure. 'It is all about balance. Even with bricks, we want our models to feel alive,' she said.
Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
'I'm an Alton Towers rollercoaster expert and people always make one mistake on rides'
John Burton is an attraction whizz who has enjoyed a glittering career that has seen him create immersive experiences including Nemesis Reborn, Toxicator, The Curse at Alton Manor and many others The mastermind behind Alton Towers Resort attractions including Nemesis Reborn and Toxicator has shared the one mistake that could ruin your theme park experience. Few people better understand how to get the very best out of a theme park than John Burton. The attraction whizz has enjoyed a glittering career that has seen him create immersive experiences including Nemesis Reborn, Toxicator, The Curse at Alton Manor and many other of the best known rides at the park. As the school summer holidays get underway, John has shared some tips for those planning a theme park trip. 'The one thing you should never do is close your eyes. By doing that you're missing half the experience - all the incredible theming, the storytelling, and the artistry that is built into every ride," he said. 'People think it helps calm their nerves, but it actually makes the whole experience worse. You lose all visual context, your brain can't process what's coming, which amplifies the fear.' John, whose official title is senior creative lead at Merlin Magic Making, was recently crowned Alumnus of the Year by Birmingham City University for his contribution to thrillseeking. He is the brains behind Alton Tower's latest attraction for 2025 - Toxicator. The only topspin ride of its kind in the UK, its extreme spin patterns exert centrifugal forces on those brave enough to ride it. He says there's a science - and an art - to getting the best thrills. And he credits his success with his focus on storytelling. He explained: 'The rides at Alton Towers are a magical combination of engineering and storytelling to create truly immersive worlds. So look up. Look around. Let yourself feel it. Rides and rollercoasters are about surrendering to the moment - and the more you engage, the more thrilling it gets.' John, who recalls being too scared to ride rollercoasters as a child, says there is one key hack to avoid the queues at Alton Towers Resort - which is offering families an extra day of fun for free this summer. The deal includes an overnight stay at the resort, full entry to the theme park, plus a completely free second day of thrills, giving guests the chance to double the adventure and make twice the memories. He explained: 'It's the classic mistake. Everyone piles into the first big-name coaster near the entrance. Go to the rides at the back of the park first - you'll beat the queues and get more rides in.' And he says fighter pilots can teach all of us a lesson on how to get the best out of a rollercoaster. 'On high-G rides like Nemesis Reborn, to prevent light-headedness, try tensing your calves and core like a fighter pilot to reduce blackout sensations - and remember to keep breathing," John added. 'On coasters like Wicker Man, sit at the back for stronger airtime and a more intense pull over the hills. For cinematic rides like Nemesis Reborn, go front row to get the full view and immersive story.' John's top five Alton Towers ride hacks Nemesis Reborn: Head for the front row: With no seats in front of you - you will be face to face with the incredible visuals. Smiler: Keep your eyes open: With 14 loops in total keeping your eyes open helps your body stay oriented. Wicker Man: Head for the back row: You'll be pulled over drops faster for maximum airtime. Toxicator: Choose wisely: If you want more backwards flips - sit on the side facing Nemesis Sub-Terra - but if you want more forward flips - face Galactica. Oblivion: Choose wisely: The back row gives you more airtime and the feeling of tipping over. The front row is a straight dive down into the black hole.
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
I built some of the UK's most popular roller coasters - here's the biggest mistake people make on rides
As millions of Brits flock to the nation's top theme parks over the summer, Britain's 'Rollercoaster King' has revealed the top mistake parkgoers make on rides. John Burton, Senior Creative Lead at Merlin Magic Making, is the award-winning designer behind some of the UK's most popular rides, including Alton Tower's Nemesis Reborn and Toxicator, along with Alton Manor's The Curse. The mastermind was recently crowned Alumnus of the Year by Birmingham City University for his phenomenal contribution to thrill-seeking. Now, the creative force has shared his expert insights to help thrill seekers maximise their visit to amusement parks - while warning of the one mistake that could ruin a visitor's experience. John's golden rule for any rider, whether they're an adrenaline junkie or more prone to nerves, is to keep their eyes open at all times. He said: 'The one thing you should never do is close your eyes. By doing that you're missing half the experience - all the incredible theming, the storytelling, and the artistry that is built into every ride. 'People think it helps calm their nerves, but it actually makes the whole experience worse. You lose all visual context, your brain can't process what's coming, which amplifies the fear.' In terms of nerves, John advised: 'On high-G rides like Nemesis Reborn, to prevent light-headedness, try tensing your calves and core like a fighter pilot to reduce blackout sensations - and remember to keep breathing.' According to John, there is a science and art to getting the best thrills at theme parks, and of the core elements is storytelling. He explained: 'The rides at Alton Towers are a magical combination of engineering and storytelling to create truly immersive worlds. 'So look up. Look around. Let yourself feel it. Rides and roller coasters are about surrendering to the moment - and the more you engage, the more thrilling it gets.' John also revealed that where people sit on rides can significantly impact their experience. On roller coasters such as Wicker Man, he advised sitting at the back for stronger airtime and a more intense pull as it glides over the hills, and on cinematic rides like Nemesis Reborn, he urged riders to sit in the front row to get the full, immersive view. In addition, John shared a key hack to avoid long queues at Alton Towers over the summer break. He urges parkgoers to head to the rides at the back of the park first, as most visitors tend to pile onto the first prominent rollercoaster near the entrance. Alton Towers is currently offering a deal that will guarantee families an extra day of fun for free this summer, which includes an overnight stay at the resort and full entry to the park on both days - giving guests the chance to double the adventure. Meanwhile, Blackpool Pleasure Beach has unveiled footage of its newest ride - which promises to be the 'tallest of its kind' in the UK and transform the resort's famous coastline. The park has released the first CGI video of Aviktas, a brand-new £8.72m pendulum ride set to open in 2026. Riders will fly on the towering 138ft gyro swing, alongside the popular Big One roller coaster and parallel to the coast, which is displayed in new footage created by the park's creative team. The ride will be the 'tallest of its kind' in the UK, surpassing the current leader, Drayton Manor's Maelstrom, which reaches approximately 74 feet in height.
Daily Mail
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Amanda Holden begins her waxwork journey at Madame Tussauds in Blackpool as she poses in a glamorous gold sequin jumpsuit for artists
Amanda Holden kicked off her waxwork journey at Madame Tussauds in Blackpool this week as she posed in a glamorous gold sequin jumpsuit for the artists. The Britain's Got Talent judge, 54, has now completed her inaugural sitting at the world-famous Merlin's Magic Making studio. She has undergone a meticulous measurement process by the highly specialised talented team of wax artists. Amanda was left 'speechless' after receiving her invitation to join their celebrity line-up, describing the process as 'surreal.' Her dazzling outfit was carefully selected to 'embody her glamour' and show off her 'vibrant personality'. Amanda said: 'I was in equal parts nervous and excited about the sitting.' She continued: 'It's quite surreal knowing that soon there will be another me standing in Blackpool! And permanently! 'I've been joking with friends about what pose they should put me in! If I had my hard hat on I'd have suggested putting me and Alan Carr next to each other in preparation for our next renovation!' Back in February, Amanda was left speechless in the middle of hosting her Heart Breakfast Show when she received a surprise on-air invitation from Madame Tussauds Blackpool. A team of 25 craftsmen and women will take around 800 hours in total to complete her figure, including 350 hours in sculpture time alone. A further 180 hours will be spent inserting individual strands of hair while recreating Amanda's infectious smile - and perfect teeth - will command another 30 hours. Jill Jenkins, Guest Experience Manager at Madame Tussauds Blackpool, added: 'We are thrilled Amanda has now completed her first sitting. 'It is such an important part of the process as it allows our artists to capture all those tiny details that make each of our figures so lifelike. 'Amanda has such an expressive face and distinctive look that we know visitors will instantly recognise her figure when it's unveiled.' Jill continued: 'We selected the perfect outfit and pose which showcases Amanda's vibrant personality. 'Fans can expect a figure which truly embodies her glamour and warmth that millions have come to know and love through Britain's Got Talent and her radio show.' Elsewhere, Britain's Got Talent has found itself in a fix row after semi-finalist Mickey Callisto dropped a subtle swipe at the ITV shows after coming under fire from the judges. The Sunderland singer sang Queen's Somebody To Love for his performance at London 's Apollo, but was left unimpressed by the judges' criticism. Bruno, while praising Mickey, said he 'didn't hit all the notes,' before Alesha Dixon told him she preferred his first audition, though Amanda described his song as 'fantastic'. Not wholly convinced by the act, Simon Cowell remarked: 'You are a really, really good Freddie Mercury tribute act and, for that, it was really, really good.' Elsewhere, Britain's Got Talent has found itself in a fix row after semi-finalist Mickey Callisto dropped a subtle swipe at the ITV shows after coming under fire from the judges Defending his song choice, Mickey threw some shade at the show by revealing he wanted 'to sing his own song' - inferring he was told he was not allowed to. After he failed to secure a place in the final, viewers were left enraged and claimed ITV bosses 'stitched him up'. Comments included: 'I see they are stitching up Mickey mCallisto on #BGT right now - what were those judges listening too!?' 'Mickey was fantastic. Was robbed of a golden buzzer in his audition, and was robbed again tonight.'
